Finding a new dentist can seem like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be. So where do you start?

Networks: Start with your insurance company’s listings. If you have Delta Dental benefits you can find a participating dentist here. Not only will you know that you’re covered, you can find the dentist closest to your home or office to make visits more convenient. Did you know that more than 90% of Idaho dentists participate in the Delta Dental network?

Recommendations:  Ask around. Ask your friends, your family, even your co-workers. Chances are good that someone you know has been to a dentist recently, and they will likely share their experience, positive or otherwise. If you’ve recently moved, you may want to ask your previous dentist, as they might have a great recommendation for you as well.

Research: Before heading to an appointment, don’t be afraid to do a little background check of your own. The internet plays a large role in patient recruitment, and more dentists than ever have an online presence. You can often get a good feel for the office just from their website. It’s also important to check out what people have said about them online. Sites like Yelp have ratings and reviews. To go one step further, set up a one-on-one consultation to get a real feel for the office prior to committing to a checkup or procedure.

These simple tips should make finding a great dentist easy. Do you have other tips? What sites have you found helpful? We’d love to hear from you in comments below.